THE number of homeless deaths in Bolton has fallen over the past year.

In 2018, there was one confirmed homeless death in the borough, compared to four in 2017.

Greater Manchester as a whole has seen a decrease, which is a contrast to England and Wales as a whole, where the number of homeless deaths has risen from 597 to 726.

Reflecting on the figures which were released by The Office for National Statistics (ONS), Bolton Council said that the death is still one too many.

A spokesman said: “Any death on our streets is a tragedy and we continue to work with our partners to ensure everyone can access the help and support they need.”

To combat homeless deaths in Greater Manchester, 100 more beds have been made available under Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s A Bed Every Night scheme.

The programme has so far helped more than 2,000 people off the city-region’s streets, 688 of whom are now in longer-term accommodation.

The new beds take the total number across Greater Manchester up to 400. The provision will also be more varied, including women-only spaces, provision for couples, people with dogs, and support for those with complex needs such as addictions and mental ill-health.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “A Bed Every Night is working, but we now want to take it up to the next level.

“The ONS data on homeless deaths is shocking – I have consistently supported the publication of these national figures to shine a light on the scale of the country’s homelessness crisis. The numbers are a national disgrace and Government needs to do more on a national level, and indeed more to support our efforts here in Greater Manchester to provide emergency accommodation.”